Screen time (website) restrictions do not work in private browse

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Screen time (website) restrictions do not work in private browse

I haven an iPhone SE 2020 running iOS 16.1.2.

Currently, I have screen time restrictions for certain websites in order to limit the amount of time I spend on these sites per day (e.g. instagram and reddit). When I browse in normal mode, there is no issue: the restrictions apply and I am only able to visit these websites for the allotted amount of time per day.

However, when I browse private mode, the restrictions disappear. I can visit these pages for as much time as I would like--defeating the whole point of the screen time restrictions. Odder is the fact that if I first navigate to these sites in normal browse, screen time begins its countdown for the allotted time for each site and I won't be able to circumvent the restrictions in private browsing.

This problem has stuck with me through multiple versions of the iOS and updates to Safari. I would appreciate some help!

iPhone SE, iOS 16

Posted on Jan 23, 2023 11:17 AM

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Answer 1

Ben_Z1

Community Specialist

Jan 25, 2023 10:54 AM in response to tjc9806

Hi there tjc9806,

If you are having issues with Screen Time restrictions and Private Browsing, the first thing we would recommend is to update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS, 16.3. This installs feature improvements and bug fixes that can resolve unexpected behavior like this. These steps from Update your iPhone or iPad show how to back up and update:

1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.

2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.

3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.

4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.

5. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.

Once your iPhone is fully updated, next ensure you are following this helpful article to set up Screen Time restrictions: Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Also, if you use the 'Prevent web content' section of this article, there should no longer be an option to use Private Browsing in Safari so that your Screen Time restrictions will be followed: Use parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

We hope that helps!

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Screen time (website) restrictions do not work in private browse

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